2024 Sweet 16 Prediction for Midwest Region Bracket

The Sweet 16 at this year’s NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament kicks off on Thursday when both East Region Sweet 16 matchups take place. In the first, 1 UConn, the favorite to repeat as March Madness Tournament champions, takes on 5 San Diego State. Then in the second game, Iowa State throws down against Illinois.

Which teams get it done against the spread and on the moneyline in what should be a fantastic night of college hoops action?

Check out more info for both games, March Madness betting lines, and free Sweet 16 East Region picks.

2024 March Madness Betting Lines: Sweet 16 East Region Picks | College Basketball Betting Analysis of the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament

1 UConn Huskies vs. 10 San Diego State Aztecs

After two dominating performances, it’s easy to see why UConn is such a massive favorite over the SDSU Aztecs. The Huskies blasted Stetson 91-52. Then in their second round game, Connecticut absolutely demolished Northwestern 75-58.

In both games, Dan Hurley’s defense showed why so many believe they are the team to beat to cut down the nets on April 8.

The problem for Connecticut in this game is that San Diego State has excellent defense as well.

The Aztecs held Yale to 57 points in a blowout victory. If UConn struggles from three, the Huskies will find it difficult to win this game outright because unlike many of their other opponents, San Diego State cannot only hang with the Huskies in the paint, the Aztecs should control the paint.

UConn vs. San Diego State
Sweet 16 East Region ATS Pick: San Diego State Aztecs +10 | Odds for College Basketball MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

2 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. 3 Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State hasn’t let up since the amazing 69-41 beating the Cyclones handed South Region top seed Houston in the Big 12 Championship. In that game, Iowa State showed that they’re much more than just a defensive powerhouse. The Cyclones have carried over their terrific form to the NCAA Tournament, blowing by South Dakota State 82-65 and then taking down Pac-12 squad Washington State 67-56.

In the Washington State game, the Cyclones shot a blistering 50% from three. But Iowa State was just 23-of-57 from the field. On Thursday night, the Big 12 takes on a Big Ten team that’s shooting lights out.

Illinois shot 52% from the field and 46% from three on their way to scoring 85 points against Morehead State in their first game. Then in their second, the Illini torched Duquesne with 89 after shooting over 59% from the field.

The Illini are playing excellent hoops. Not only will Illinois win this ATS, but the Illini will knockout the Cyclones, taking the game straight up.

Illinois vs. Iowa State
Sweet 16 East Region SU Pick: Illinois Illini +115 | Odds for College Basketball MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

Updated March Madness lines to win this season.